Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Blues (for Deb)" by Sonia Sanchez is a poem steeped in the tradition of blues music, reflecting themes of love, longing, and the passage of time. The poem's structure and rhythm capture the essence of the blues, using repetition and colloquial language to convey the speaker's emotional state and desires. Through its lyrical form, the poem explores the complexities of a romantic relationship, marked by anticipation and an acceptance of uncertainty.

The opening lines set the tone with a sense of urgency and desire: "even though you came in december be my january man, i say, even though you came in december be my january man, but you know i'll take you any month i can." The speaker's request for the "january man" suggests a desire for a fresh start, a new beginning with the onset of the new year, symbolizing hope and renewal. However, the line "but you know i'll take you any month i can" reveals a deeper, more profound longing, expressing willingness to embrace the beloved at any time, regardless of circumstance. This flexibility indicates an intense desire for the presence of the other, underscoring the theme of longing.

The next stanza describes the speaker's morning routine, marked by anxious anticipation: "woke up this morning, waiting for you to call / say, i woke up this morning waiting for you to call / started shaking in my bed, thought i was taking another fall." This repetition emphasizes the speaker's expectation and the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for communication from the beloved. The phrase "started shaking in my bed, thought i was taking another fall" suggests vulnerability and the fear of disappointment or emotional letdown. The use of "another fall" metaphorically implies previous experiences of heartache or loss, adding a layer of complexity to the speaker's current state.

The mention of a "fortune teller" introduces an element of seeking clarity or foresight: "fortune teller, fortune teller, what you forecast for me today, / fortune teller, fortune teller, what you forecast for me today, / cuz i ain't got no time to be messing with yo yesterday." This plea reflects the speaker's desire to look forward, to find assurance or hope in the future rather than dwelling on the past. The dismissive attitude towards "yesterday" suggests a reluctance to revisit past disappointments or mistakes, emphasizing a focus on the present and future possibilities.

The poem returns to the initial refrain, reiterating the speaker's desire for the beloved to be their "january man" despite arriving in December. The repetition of "but you know i'll take you any month i can" reinforces the idea of unconditional acceptance and the yearning for a continuous presence. It conveys a deep, enduring affection that transcends the specifics of time and circumstance, highlighting the speaker's commitment and openness to love.

"Blues (for Deb)" encapsulates the essence of blues as a musical and poetic form—expressing deep emotions, often tinged with melancholy, through a simple yet powerful structure. Sanchez's use of colloquial language and repetition evokes the oral tradition of blues, while the content reflects a universal human experience of longing and the desire for connection. The poem's focus on the passage of time and the willingness to embrace love at any moment speaks to the enduring nature of human affection and the hope for renewal and continuity in relationships.

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